Honeywell 50250

Bottom line

The Honeywell 50250 is also sold with the 50250-N model number, although the two units are identical. The Honeywell 50250 is best used in small spaces, and does a good job of removing dust and other allergens from the air. The biggest complaint surrounding this unit is that it's noisy, noticeable even at low speeds.

Performance

Good for small rooms. The Honeywell 50250 is best used in small rooms, as it's not powerful enough to clean rooms with larger capacity. The Honeywell air purifier takes in air from all sides of its cylindrical design, expelling clean air out the top, but it doesn't pull as much air through its HEPA filter as more expensive models such as the IQAir New Edition HealthPro Plus (Est. $900) , experts say. Testers from one professional consumer testing organization say the Honeywell 50250 is excellent at removing dust, pollen and cigarette smoke at its high setting, and also does a good job at the low setting.

Ease of use

Easy use with filter indicator lights. Filter indicator lights let users know when it's time to change out -- or at least vacuum -- the filter for maximum performance. The unit itself is fairly large, according to Ed Sherbenou of Air-Purifier-Power.com, and it needs to sit a minimum of three feet away from a wall. Therefore, it will take up some available space in the room. It's lightweight (just 20 pounds) and has a carrying handle at the top for easy transfer from room to room. Replacement filters are easy to find online or in stores.

Noise

Noticeable noise on low, quite loud on high. Sherbenou praises the Honeywell's cleaning power, but says he refuses to use it in his bedroom because of the noise. One professional testing organization gives the Honeywell 50250 a rating of Poor for its noise level at the highest fan speed setting, and a slightly better rating of Good for noise at the lower speed settings. One owner posting feedback to Amazon.com explains, "It is noisy at the highest fan speed, and noticeable at the lowest fan speed. For those who wonder if you can tolerate the noise, it is not a machine cranking noise. It is a high air flow sound."

Cost of ownership

Affordable filters, low up-front cost. The Honeywell's long-lasting HEPA filter should be vacuumed twice a year, but Sherbenou says it will eventually have to be replaced. The Honeywell also uses an odor-reducing carbon prefilter (Est. $15) that should be replaced every three months. This is one of the least expensive air purifiers available, but it doesn't have the power to filter larger spaces.